Four representatives of MAC (Maritime Arbitration Commission) and ICAC (International Commercial Arbitration Court) of Ukraine from Kiev were joined by five representatives of the LMAA from London to participate in this joint event held in Odessa.

The Kiev delegation was led by Nikolay Selivon, President of MAC and ICAC, who was accompanied by the Vice President, the advisor to the President and an arbitrator at MAC.

The London delegation was led by Immediate Past President of the LMAA, Clive Aston, who was accompanied by Full Member, David Martin-Clark, the Hon Secretary, Aspiring Full Member, James Clanchy and Supporting Member Accepting Appointments, George Lambrou.

The delegations had an opportunity to meet and introduce themselves to each other before the conference started.The conference itself was divided into two sessions.The first session focused on the MAC and its new horizons, in particular its aim to provide services to both domestic and international maritime markets through its new 2018 Rules.The second Session opened with a short summary of key aspects of the LMAA as a body and the nature of arbitration offered under LMAA Terms and Procedures, followed by four practical presentations of application to maritime arbitration generally and LMAA arbitration in particular.

The conference benefitted from excellent simultaneous translation throughout and the two sessions were punctuated by a generous 45 minute coffee break and followed by a buffet, allowing delegates substantial time to network.

A social programme the following day comprising a city tour and traditional Ukrainian lunch was enjoyed by three of the MAC representatives and four of the London delegation, which proved very fruitful in cementing good relations between the two bodies with toasts to friendship and future cooperation being made.A night at the Opera House followed for those who were able to stay.

The event was hosted and extremely well organised in Odessa by leading local maritime law firm, Interlegal, who gave most generously of their time, efforts and hospitality.